Backpacking Toiletries

Toiletries can take up quite some space and weight in your rucksack. Even "travel sized" products are often bulky and come in differently shaped containers making it difficult to pack them with as little empty space as possible...

One nice solution is to fill everything you need in syringes, put a cap on the tip and cut off the plungers:

• Now you have uniform, space saving containers...
• You can fill them with just the right amounts for your trip...
• You see immediately how much is left...
• And they allow you to dose and ration precisely...

Step 1: Filling

Filling the syringes:

• High-viscosity liquids like toothpaste or shaving gel are best poured in from the back. Just remove the plunger completely...
• Filling from the back is also the best choice if the original containers opening is too small for the syringe. Just don't forget to put a cap on the tip first like I did just a few minutes ago ;-)

Step 2: Cut the Plunger

Cutting the plunger:

• pull the plunger back until it almost falls out, then cut it off with a sharp knife...
• This saves a lot of space and more important: you can't spill the contents accidentially...
• Keep one of the plungers to squeeze the syringes and throw the rest away...

Saving even more space:

• You can even cut the syringe itself if it is only partially filled and throw away the last plunger - just use your toothbrush as replacement...

Step 3: Some Final Tips:

Sunscreen:

• I prefer transparent, alcohol based products - they have some advantages:
  • Alcohol based sunscreen is very thin - it applies evenly and dries within seconds. But most important: you need much less compared to traditional products.
  • They are easy to dilute with water. A 20ml syringe with 50 SPF alcohol based sunscreen can last several days if you need full protection and weeks if the conditions allow you to dilute it.
• Always take more sunscreen with you than you expect to need in the worst case. Running out of toothpaste or deodorant? well... shit happens... But running out of sunscreen can be serious trouble...

Shaving gel:

• Don't use shaving foam - you can't put it out of its container for obvious reasons. Use shaving gel instead...

Deodorant:

• Use liquid deodorant instead of spray. You'll need very little: 5ml is more than enough for a week...

Toothbrush and razor cover:

• I also use a syringe as toothbrush and razor cover. It protects them from dirt but still allows them to dry during the day...

Measure the amounts you'll need before traveling:

• Put the original container on a scale and note its weight...
• Use the product for a few days...
• Weigh it again and divide the difference by the days you've used it...